Russia is asking the US not to step into the shoes of the UN and strike Syria on allegations of chemical weapons use. The EU's foreign policy chief is calling for a political solution and Italy says the repercussions and counter-repercussions of military action would be dramatic. \nIs the US under pressure from its regional allies to take action? Are there concerns that the Assad government is winning the war against foreign-back insurgents? Is there still room for a political solution?